Robert “Bob” Steven Stegeman, 55, of Overland Park, Kansas, was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1971. On July 19, 2026, after a long battle with cancer, he peacefully departed to be with the Lord. He is now reunited with his father, Clarence, and his recently deceased mother, Margie.
Bob was the deeply loved last-born child in a family of 11 siblings. Curiosity and Spontaneity could have been his middle names. Bob brought his sense of humor and an energetic spirit to every situation. When he brandished his wry smile, it promised he had a special take on something, a funny analogy or acronym on the tip of his witty tongue, or an astute observation that locked a topic into clarity.
He was notably intelligent and declarative. When he found the truth of a matter, he settled on it and often stamped it with finality. Such was his way with any number of topics including sports or who caught the biggest fish, but most especially evident in his deeply rooted faith. His belief in God and the promise of life everlasting was his power source and his ultimate peace.
He loved his wife and family with devotion, there for them at every possible moment, always celebrating and cheering them on. He and his wife, Lori, shaped their kids into grounded adults, with their eyes set on the end goal of heaven.
After he graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School he joined the Air Force Reserves as an A-10 jet engine mechanic and went on to earn a degree from Kansas State University in Mechanical Engineering. His passion for aviation began in childhood and developed into a long career path at TWA, American Airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration. He was always an engineer at heart and was engaged in many spontaneous building and fixing projects. His enthusiasm for engineering also had a big influence on his kids who all chose to pursue engineering careers.
His interests largely involved being outside, whether hiking, biking, visiting national parks, fishing, gardening, playing with the dogs, grilling or being at the pool – anything outside was fair game. Speaking of games, his household of six KSU Wildcats bled the color purple, but turned red on Chiefs game days.
Bob was the perfect example of living a beautiful and meaningful life, even in the midst of suffering and uncertain times he would often say, “God’s got this”. And so, we will carry on with your lessons deeply embedded in our hearts, forever inspired by your spirited life and abiding faith.
Bob’s essence lives on through Lori, his wife of 31 years, and their 4 children: Jake, Zach, Nick and Katie. He also leaves behind his 10 siblings: Mike (Julia), Karen (Barry), Pat (Dan), Denise (Mark), Jim (Kathy), Margaret (Ron), Joe (Nancy), Ed (Laurie), Susie (Mark) and Gene (Lori) as well as many nieces and nephews.
In honor of Bob’s life consider contributing your time in service to others, take time for a walk to admire God’s beautiful creations, and find the extraordinary in the everyday ordinary moments of life. If you wish to make a donation, please consider supporting EWTN, Prince of Peace in Olathe, or another charity of your choice.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9:15 to 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 West 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. The Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11:15 a.m. A private family graveside service will follow the funeral.
